San Mateo, CA
Homes in 94401: what they're like and what they need
Quick answer
Half of the 13,818 homes in 94401 (San Mateo) were built before 1964, and 70% before 1980. Gas heats 51% of them, and owners live in 43%. Homes like these usually need a panel check before adding an EV charger or heat pump, lead-safe painting and remodeling, and a heat pump in place of the gas furnace.
Updated November 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS 2020-2024
A plain-English report on the 13,818 homes in ZIP 94401, from public Census and city data, with the repairs and upgrades homes like these usually need.
1964
Typical home built
70%
Built before 1980
51%
Heat with gas
43%
Owner-occupied
What homes in 94401 usually need
Electrical panel check before an EV charger or heat pump
70% of homes here were built before 1980, when panels were often sized for much less load. Check yours before adding big electric items.
Lead-safe painting and remodeling
About 68% of homes here are older than 1978. Painters and remodelers working on them must follow EPA lead-safe rules (RRP certification).
Gas furnace to heat pump
51% of homes in 94401 heat with gas. A heat pump replaces the furnace and adds AC, and local utility rebates often cover a large share.
Older pipes and sewer lines
43% of homes here are from the 1950s or earlier, when galvanized supply pipes and clay or cast-iron sewer lines were common. A camera inspection of the sewer line is cheap insurance.
Roof and gutters before the rains
Half the homes here were built before 1965. Most roofs last 20-30 years, so many are on their second or third. Clean gutters and a roof check before winter storms prevent most leaks.
Rentals: faster repairs for landlords
57% of homes here are rented. Landlords and property managers can give tenants a repair link that goes straight to their go-to pro.
When homes in 94401 were built
30% are detached houses. 42% heat with electricity. Median owner-reported value: $1,184,500.
Rebates for 94401 homes
- WestLight Energy rebates (WestLight Energy (San Mateo County electricity provider, formerly Peninsula Clean Energy))
- BayREN home energy programs (Bay Area Regional Energy Network (9 Bay Area counties))
- Switch Is On incentive finder (Statewide (California))
Permits in San Mateo
Which projects need a permit, how long it takes and where to apply.
San Mateo permit checkerPros serving San Mateo
- Plumbers in San Mateo
- Heating & AC Contractors in San Mateo
- Electricians in San Mateo
- Handyman Services in San Mateo
- Roofers in San Mateo
- Pest Control Companies in San Mateo
- Painters in San Mateo
- Landscapers & Tree Services in San Mateo
- General Contractors in San Mateo
- Solar Installers in San Mateo
Need something done in 94401?
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Get a proQuestions about homes in 94401
- How old are the homes in 94401?
- Half of the 13,818 homes in 94401 (San Mateo) were built before 1964, so the typical home is about 62 years old. 70% were built before 1980 and 9% since 2000.
- How do homes in 94401 heat?
- 51% heat with gas and 42% with electricity. Gas-heated homes are the ones heat pump rebates are aimed at.
- Are most homes in 94401 owned or rented?
- 43% are lived in by their owners and 57% are rented. 30% are detached single-family houses.
- What is the median home value in 94401?
- The Census estimate of the median owner-reported home value in 94401 is $1,184,500 (2020-2024 average).
For local pros: trades that fit 94401
Compared with the other 162 ZIPs SVHN serves, homes here are among the best fits for:
- Property Management #32
Run a home-service business? SVHN's free Market Finder ranks every ZIP for your trade
Other San Mateo ZIPs
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for ZIP code tabulation area 94401 (estimates, via Census Reporter). "What homes usually need" is general guidance based on home age and heating type, not an inspection of any home.